Anybody know how to remove the ignition switch? Or even just the cylinder? It seems like porsche tried to make it very difficult, it looks like they used some kind of breakaway bolts, anti-theft purpose i guess. anyway i want to change it because I lost my key (it's one of my projects, not a daily driver), i have a spare set of cylinders for the doors and the hatch also, i'm hoping they're a lot easier to change. thanks for any help.

Hello, In order to remove the Ignition Key Lock cylinder you have to drill a 1/8" hole in the right location to release the spring. If you can all ready see the broke off torque bolts you must have the gage cluster out. The easiest way to remove the bolts is to use a Dremel Tool with a cut off wheel. Grind a slot across the end of the bolt (on top) so you can use a common screwdriver to turn the bolts back out. You can use common cad plate bolts and lock nuts when you re-install. Below is where you drill the hole. Put a small screw back in the hole.

OK,Go to the link below on Clark's garage. com. It will tell you how to remove the air bag. Disconnect the battery at the negative side and wait at least 30 min. before you disconnect the Air Bag. Remove the steering wheel and wiper control and the left side dash over to the HVAC controls. Once the Gage cluster is removed you should have enough room to use the Dremel Tool. If you find it still restrictive buy the flex end for the Tool. Anyway you look at it you have to be careful with the plastic dash parts esp. the small tabs you can't see as they will break. You can't be heavy handed or rush the job.

ok, thx Larry, I guess i'm in for a job. I'm really buggin out tho, 'cause i just had the keys, i just moved the car out of my garage and up onto ramps, let it run for a while and the next day i couldn't find the keys, i have no idea what i did w them, it's drivin me nuts and i'm afraid that i'll find them after doing all this work. another thought tho, how is porsche about making replacements, any idea?

I'm 70 and when I forget what I did with something this works for me. I set down in my easy chair, relax, close my eyes and think back to what I was doing. It's like a replay step by step and visualize in my mind what I was doing at that time. Look under the floor mat, sun visor, and the arm rest. We are creatures of habit and don't think about what we do all the time. Check your pants pocket that you were wearing that day. If your wife has already washed them the keys may be on top of the washer. ACE Hardware normally has a key blank that fits.
I hope you find the keys.

ok, thx Larry, I guess i'm in for a job. I'm really buggin out tho, 'cause i just had the keys, i just moved the car out of my garage and up onto ramps, let it run for a while and the next day i couldn't find the keys, i have no idea what i did w them, it's drivin me nuts and i'm afraid that i'll find them after doing all this work.

I did that once, lost my keys when I was at school. Spent hours going to every class with the custodian, retracing my steps, nothing. Called my dad, he came and drilled and yanked the switch out with a slide hammer like the car thieves do in the movies. On the way home I reached in my jacket pocket, and there they were. It was a new jacket, and I'd forgotten about that pocket.
I threw them out the window and never had the nerve to tell anyone....until now. lol.

Thanks all, now if i can just find my easy chair... seriously tho i did that, i looked everywhere, several times, i'm thinking now that somehow they got thrown out, i was also cleaning the garage out after taking out the car, jump starting it and letting it run... I appreciate all the help.